Italian Herb-Infused Chicken Risotto with Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy risotto cooked slowly with chicken broth and fresh Italian herbs, finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs arborio rice, kept warm chicken broth, dry white wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cut-up boneless skinless chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 cups arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with oil and butter; cook for 2 minutes until rice edges look translucent.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir until fully absorbed by the rice.
  5. Step 5: Begin adding 5 cups warm chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next portion; this process will take about 18-20 minutes.
  6. Step 6: When the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the cooked chicken, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Let the risotto rest for 2 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Herb-Infused Chicken Risotto with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Italian Herb-Infused Chicken Risotto with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Herb-Infused Chicken Risotto with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Herb-Infused Chicken Risotto with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Italian Herb-Infused Chicken Risotto with Parmesan?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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